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Biomedical subjects

M H Epstein

Publications and source records attributed to M H Epstein.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1978

Prevalence survey of inhalant abuse.

Although there is a paucity of hard epidemiologic data on the prevalence of inhalant abuse, there is considerable anecdotal evidence that such abuse is continuing. Recently, we received repeated reports that one particularly public housing project in Atlanta had high rates of inhalant abuse, and to assess the prevalence of such abuse in children 4 to 20 years old, we conducted a random household survey in 400 of the project's 1,140 units. In an attempt to get complete and reliable data, wer chose and trained 10 residents as interviewers. Fifty youngsters were identified as ever having used inhalants, representing a sample prevalence of approximately 4%. The typical sniffer was a male, age 15, in the 9th grade or currently out of school. Some sniffers, though, continued to use inhalants into the 20s. Not unexpectedly, sniffers were found to use alcohol and other drugs at greater rates than other children. Although the parents of sniffers often said that they recognized drug-related problems in their children, the seldom sought help. Nevertheless, most residents felt that a drug-counseling program should be established in the project to provide alternative recreational activities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Cerebrospinal fluid production: stimulation by cholera toxin.

Large increases in the production of cerebrospinal fluid have been observed after the intraventricular administration of cholera toxin. Because cholera toxin stimulates adenylate cyclase, the data suggest that adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate plays a role in cerebrospinal fluid production.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1977

Modification of impulsive tempo in learning-disabled pupils.

Thirty-three impulsive learning-disabled males, aged 9-12 years, were assigned to one of three treatment conditions: (a) Modeling, in which subjects were exposed to a videotape of a boy demonstrating reflective problem-solving activities and instructing himself to perform cautiously; (b) Modeling Plus Self-Verbalization, in which subjects observed the same videotape and were additionally required to verbalize similar reflective instructions; and (c) Control, in which subjects were shown a videotape of the task materials used in the modeling videotape, but without the model. Subjects were tested immediately after exposure to treatment, and again 3 weeks later, on different forms of the Matching Familiar Figures test. Both Modeling and Modeling Plus Self-Verbalization conditions were superior to Control in reducing errors on the immediate test, but the three treatments did not differ on the delayed test. No significant differences among the three conditions were found with regard to response latency. Discrepancies between the present results and those of previous related studies were noted, and potential research directions were suggested.

Behavior Therapy↗
PubMed1976

Cerebral tuberculoma localized by EMI scan.

A case of isolated supratentorial tuberculoma is described. The patient had a left facial palsy, left hemiplegia, and left proprioceptive and stereognostic deficits with negative studies until the lesion was delineated with computerized axial tomography (EMI scan). The characteristics EMI scan is helpful in delineating the nature and precise location of the lesion prior to surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Giant intracranial dermoid cyst: Case report and review of the literature on intracranial dermoids and epidermoids.

A 45-year old man was referred to the Johns Hopkins Hospital with a seven-year history of repeated episodes of light-headedness, increasing irriability and forgetfulness. Examinations revealed a right superior, incongruous quadrantanopsia. EEG showed an abnormality in the left temporal lobe, and a cerebral angiogram outlined an avascular mass in the left cerebral hemisphere. At operation, the patient was found to have a giant dermoid cyst involving the left frontal, temporal and parietal lobes. Over the last 30 years we have encountered only 6 cases of intracranial epidermoids and 3 cases of intracranial dermoids. These cases are cited, and a discussion of the embryology, histology, clinical characteristics, and treatment of these lesions with a review of the literature is undertaken.

Brain↗
PubMed1975

The so-called Dandy-Walker syndrome: analysis of 12 operated cases.

Twelve patients between the years of 1964 and 1971 underwent surgical treatment for the so-called Dandy-Walker syndrome at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Five patients belonged to an early group (1-8 weeks); four patients to an intermediary group (3-20 months); and a late group consisted of three patients (3 years, 14 years and 34 years). The value of the various diagnostic studies is discussed on the basis of an analysis of the plain skull X-rays, cerebral angiograms, and combined air studies. The importance of a careful delineation of the underlying pathological condition is stressed to enable the surgeon to choose the appropriate technique. The diagnostic studies confirmed the diagnosis of a true Dandy-Walker syndrome in six of the twelve cases. The remaining six proved to have either an independent posterior fossa cyst with communication of the subarachnoid space and occasionally with the ventricles; or an isolated posterior fossa cyst with no communication but with impingement on the aqueduct and on the midline structures. In six patients, a primary simple shunt procedure was performed which had to be followed by a posterior fossa craniectomy in one and by a double-shunt (ventricle and posterior fossa cyst) in another. Four patients underwent a posterior fossa craniectomy; as the primary and only procedure (2), craniectomy followed by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (1), or an unsuccessful shunt followed by craniectomy (1). In two patients, a so-called 'double shunt' was performed as a second operation, draining simultaneously the right lateral ventricle and the posterior fossa cyst. There was no death in this series. Three children had evidence of infected shunts; they responded to adequate therapy. Four had excellent results, with normal neurological examination and normal development. Four had good results, performing in school (working) was markedly improved; two had fair results with residual neurological deficit and some mental retardation. Two patients had to be considered as poor results. Both of them, however, have shown evidence of concomitant severe congenital abnormalities of the cerebellum on the diagnostic studies. The follow-up period ranged from 1 1/2 to 7 1/2 years.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

In vitro measurement of respiration of choroid plexus cells in communicating hydrocephalus.

Communicating hydrocephalus occurs as a result of inappropriate CSF production in the circumstance of diminished absorption. Ventricular enlargement does not progress as rapidly as the measured normal production of CSF would suggest. Thus, compensatory mechanisms must exist to respond in some manner to the altered pathophysiology. In this experiment the metabolic activity (O2 consumption) of the choroid plexus cells in animals with communicating hydrocephalus was compared with that of normals. The modified Cartesian diver technique of Zeuthen13 was employed. These preliminary measurements show that the metabolic activity of the choroid plexus cells was the same in hydrocephalic animals and normals. Response to experimentally induced increased CSF pressure also showed no difference.

Animals↗